Common Projects Achilles

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Info

—01. Summer Tan Achilles.

Words

I've been wearing my tan Achilles pretty frequently these days. The soft italian leather is so supple and comfortable it's definitely my go to choice when the sun is out. With that being said, the colour way would also work well with most fall clothing combinations, giving a muted outfit that subtle pop, making this sneaker a seasonal staple. Constructionally solid and aesthetically simple, the Achilles is a great option season after season.

—Available at Tres Bien Shop

FrenchTrotters Portraits

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Video

—01. Olivier.

Words

Clarent Dehlouz of Paris's FrenchTrotters has been busy shooting short videos for the shop as of late. In addition to the films from Pitti and Paris Fashion Week, the Portrait series offers a brief look at people and their home environments. Nicely shot and well scored, the Portraits are beautiful little glimpses into people's daily lives — Olivier's choice of reading material isn't bad either.

—FrenchTrotters

Want: Head Porter Stellar

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Images

—01. Camera strap.
—02. Waist bag.
—03. Digital camera case.

Words

I really want a small bag, pouch or case for my point and shoot. Ideally it would be just big enough for my camera, a pen, a small note pad and maybe some business cards. The small hip pack from the Stellar collection is atop my list right now, although the small digital camera case isn't a bad option if its just for the camera. The only problem is that I wish I had found it before I left for New York.

—Head Porter

Behind the Scenes: Band of Outsiders

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Info

—01. Florence, June 2011.

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Although there is a crazy mix of SS12 previews, along with FW11 posts of items arriving and coming soon - these images by Piotr are worth a look regardless of the season. He was invited backstage to document the day of that Band of Outsiders showcased their SS12 collection in Florence. The shots turned out nicely and although its only a glimpse into the clothing and design, it gives the collection and brand a nice feel and texture that the runway photos might not.

—Photographs by Piotr Niepsuj

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Manastash

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Images

—01. Jaquard top.
—02. Label detail.
—03. Underarm detail.

Words

Manastash is another one of those outdoor brands that have seen success in Japan, but only recently have cracked into the western markets. The bright color blocking, technical fabrics and Japanese take on North American outdoors is a proven winning combination. The brand originally launched in the 90s in Seattle, but is now garnering a more casual market in North American and Europe - they'll be showing for the first time at Capsule NY next week.

—Manastash

Editor's Pick: Porter for Monocle Boston Bag

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Info

—01. Comes with a variety of small, useful bags.

Words

I purchased this Boston bag a little over two years ago, and I think it's been with me on every trip since. The size is perfect to carry on, it's big enough for almost a week's worth of clothes, with some edited packing, and it comes with a nice variety of useful small bags inside. It's easy enough to carry, and considering how much I've used it, it doesn't look more than a month or two old, which bodes well for the long run.

—Available at Monocle

Gitman Vintage Bow Ties

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—01. A variety of great summer fabrics.

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Outside of their shirting, Gitman Vintage has built up a nice little range of ties, bow ties and shorts. I think the best of their accessories come in the summer, with the use of light weight, high quality shirting fabrics. These gingham and plaid fabrics are perfect for a nice hit of color and pattern to compliment the whites, blues, khakis and seersuckers during the summer.

—Available at French Trotters

The Real McCoy's Summer Hats

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Info

—01. Utility Hat & A-3 Cap.

Words

We recently received a small shipment of summer items from The Real McCoy's in Vancouver. Along with a re-stock of Champion x McCoy's tees, Blue Seal chinos and painter shorts, we received some great summer head wear. I had been looking forward to the hats for months, and I wasn't disappointed when they arrived last week (except for the fact my head is too small to fit them).

—The Real McCoy's @ Inventory Stockroom